Sharon Matola runs the Belize Zoo. At her zoo, they rescue and rehabilitate injured or orphaned animals. When there was a dam proposed in Belize that would threaten the habitat of the few remaining scarlet macaws in Belize, she made it her purpose to fight the dam with everything she had. The author travelled to and from Belize for a number of years to document what happened.

This was really good. The book also takes a look at the history and politics of Belize, as well. It's so frustrating, though, the corruption in the government! I found the book quite gripping and wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen. Of course, I have a particular interest in the environment and wildlife. ( )

One gets used to nature and science books often being a bit of a slog. Not so with this fast paced, interesting, and entertaining account by Bruce Barcott of Sharon Matola's efforts to save the scarlet macaws in Belize. Known throughout Belize, as the "Zoo lady", Matola is an enigmatic figure who takes on a corrupt government officials, international corporations, and dubious environmental reports to wage a fight for the nesting grounds of the last 200 scarlet macaws in Belize. Barcott does a great job weaving a story of politics, history, and science together into a compelling narrative that you simply don't want to put down. I highly recommend this book if you want to know more about what Belize is all about. ( )

A fascinating look at Belize and conservation, this features the "zoo lady" of Belize and her efforts at fighting a dam project in Belize that endangers the future of Belize's scarlet macaw population. The history and development of vacation hot spot Belize is fascinating, and the echos of colonionalism caused by white conservationists politicking in primarily black Belize and other countries are also explored. ( )

Wikipedia in English (2)

In telling the story of one woman's crusade to save a rainforest, author Barcott addresses the realities of economic survival in Third World countries, explores the tension between environmental conservation and human development, and puts a human face on the battle over globalization.--From publisher description.… (more)